Headed to Monday's Miami Heat parade? Keep these tips in mind for a safe celebration

UPDATE: Late Friday, the city of Miami announced that backpacks will not be allowed by parade watchers during the Miami Heat NBA championship celebration.

"We're taking precautionary measures to avoid mishaps," Miami Police Officer Kenia Reyes said. "We'll have plain clothes officers there and backpacks are a no no. Anyone with a backpack will not be allowed near the public celebration. They have to be cognizant of public safety. We'll also have plenty of police officers along the route to give assistance."

More details: The parade begins at 11 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m.

The start is from Southwest 2nd Avenue at Southwest 8th Street. It travels east, then north on Brickell Avenue across the bridge, and north on Biscayne Boulevard into the AmericanAirlines Arena at Northeast 8th Street, the city said.

Miami Heat players will not be making an outdoor appearance at the parade's end, according to a city spokesman.

Parade watchers will want to consider using mass transit to get to and from downtown.

Southwest 8th Street will close from approximately 9 a.m. until the end of the parade passes by.